- Today's Word
Limerence
[LIM-uh-rens]
Definition
- (noun) A state of intense infatuation or obsession with another person, characterized by overwhelming feelings of attraction, desire, and preoccupation. It often involves intrusive and obsessive thoughts about the object of affection, as well as a strong desire for reciprocation.
Example
From the moment they met, Emily was in a state of limerence, constantly daydreaming about James and eagerly awaiting any opportunity to spend time with him.
Fun Fact
The term “limerence” was coined in 1979 by psychologist Dorothy Tennov to describe the intense, involuntary, and sometimes obsessive romantic feelings that can occur in the early stages of attraction. Tennov derived the term from the word “Limerent,” which she created by combining the words “limer,” an archaic term for a tangle or snare, and the suffix “-ence,” denoting a state or condition. While limerence is often associated with the euphoric feelings of falling in love, it can also have negative aspects, such as anxiety, insecurity, and a preoccupation that can interfere with daily life. Limerence is not considered a clinical disorder but rather a natural phenomenon that many people experience at some point in their lives, particularly in the context of romantic attraction and relationships.
(adjective) Obviously planned or forced rather than arising naturally; lacking authenticity or spontaneity.
The film’s ending felt contrived — a sudden reconciliation between characters who had spent two hours proving they could never forgive each other.
Contrived comes from the verb contrive, rooted in the Old French controver, meaning “to imagine” or “to find out,” itself from the Latin contropare — “to compare” or “to devise.” It entered English in the 14th century originally meaning simply to plan or devise something cleverly. Over time the word acquired its current negative undertone, shifting from neutral ingenuity toward the suggestion of something manipulated or artificially engineered to produce a desired effect.